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how long does it take to smoke a ham

Smoking a ham usually takes between 3 and 10 hours, depending mainly on whether it is precooked or fresh, its weight, and your smoker temperature. The safest way is to cook by internal temperature, not just time: aim for about 140–145°F for fully cooked hams and at least 145°F for fresh/raw ham.

Key time and temp guidelines

  • Fully cooked / “city” ham (double-smoked)
    • Smoker temp: 225–275°F.
* Target internal temp: 140–145°F in the thickest part.

* Typical time:
  * About 10–15 minutes per pound as a rough guide.

  * An 8–10 lb ham often takes around 3–4 hours to heat through and pick up smoke.
  • Fresh or raw ham
    • Smoker temp: usually 225–325°F, cooked low and slow to keep it tender.
* Target internal temp: at least 145°F, then rest before slicing.

* Typical time: about 5–10 hours for a full fresh ham, depending on size and smoker temp.

Example timing by size

  • 4–6 lb precooked ham: about 2–3 hours at 250–275°F, or until 140–145°F internal.
  • 8–10 lb precooked ham: commonly ~3–4 hours total (often cited for holiday spiral hams).
  • 10–12 lb double‑smoked ham: many backyard smokers report around 3–3.5 hours at ~250–275°F.
  • Large fresh ham (10+ lb): plan for much longer—often 6–8+ hours, sometimes up to 10 hours, to reach safe temp while staying juicy.

Practical tips so it turns out well

  • Use a reliable meat thermometer and cook to temperature rather than watching the clock.
  • Place the ham cut-side down in a pan with a splash of juice or stock to help keep it moist while it smokes.
  • Glaze in the last 30–45 minutes so the sugars set and don’t burn.
  • Let the ham rest 15–20 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.

Quick rule of thumb

If you just need a fast estimate:

  • Precooked ham at 250°F → plan on 10–15 minutes per pound, but pull it when it hits 140–145°F.
  • Fresh ham at 225–250°F → plan on several hours (often 6–8+) until it reaches at least 145°F internal.

Meta description (SEO):
Wondering how long it takes to smoke a ham? Learn typical hours, minutes-per- pound guidelines, internal temperatures, and pro tips for both precooked and fresh hams so your next smoke is perfectly juicy.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.